I won't have been alone, I imagine, in rolling my eyes at the idea of the radio scrappage scheme, designed to encourage listeners to trade in their old analogue sets in return for a discounted new DAB radio. It's not just that the scheme is called Radio Amnesty, as if to suggest old radios are somehow naughty, something you turn a blind eye to for the greater good, like overdue library books. Or knives.

It's more a matter of timing. The scheme has collided in its first week with flashmob protests marking the end of the three-month consultation period about the planned closure of 6Music and the Asian Network. Losing these stations, which have garnered Sony Awards and, in the case of 6Music, a 50% rise in its audience since the closures were announced, would markedly deplete the appeal of DAB for many listeners.

But if you are planning to replace an old radio with a DAB set, there's more to the scheme than a 10-20% discount at certain retailers. Your old wireless will take on a new life if it's still working, heading off to be reconditioned for use by children's charities in Africa. One of these is the quite brilliant Children's Radio Foundation in South Africa.

They produce a weekly show, The Radio Workshop, made by and for young people. This tackles the daunting realities of life for youngsters there: a million children live in households with no literate adults; one in four young women will be HIV positive by the age of 21. Radio is popular and widely available, and the programmes – all archived online – are a terrific mix of current affairs, features, and personal stories.

The Radio Amnesty isn't going to tempt DAB refuseniks, but if you are thinking of switching, your old wireless could in its twilight years do some real good elsewhere.